The 'beaver' supermoon is set to take to the sky tonight, here's how and when to spot it

The "beaver" supermoon is the closest supermoon of the year, and is set to rise above the Australian sky this evening at around sunset.

A supermoon is a full moon that only occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

The best time to view a supermoon is just as it's rising above the horizon, so people hoping to view the moment are urged to find a good viewing spot and catch it.

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The moon will be rising from the east, so people are being urged to get a vantage point with their backs to the sunset.

Somewhere with a clear view of the horizon and minimal cloud coverage is also recommended for the best viewing experience.

What actually is a supermoon?

Definitions of a supermoon can vary, but the term generally applies to a full moon that is closer to Earth than normal and thus appears larger and brighter in the night sky.

Some astronomers say the phenomenon occurs when the moon is within 90 per cent of perigee – its closest approach to Earth in orbit.

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